3D network structure and hydrophobic Ni-G-WO3-x solar-driven interfacial evaporator for highly efficient steam generation

Solar steam generation based on light absorbing materials has been considered to be one of the most effective methods to alleviate the problem of water shortage. Herein, a novel 3D network structure and hydrophobic Ni-G-WO3-x evaporator is prepared for steam generation by CVD and solvothermal method. The Ni-G-WO3-x has high optical absorption of 93% from UV to NIR region due to the multi-scattering of the porous Ni and the strong light absorption ability of the Graphene and the WO3-x. The surface temperature of the evaporator can increase from room temperature to 46.8 °C within 4 min under 1 sun illumination, the ultrafast solar-thermal response demonstrates the excellent light absorption ability of Ni-G-WO3-x, which is beneficial for further solar energy conversion efficiency performance. The evaporation rate can reach at 2.12 kg m−2 h−1 with the evaporation efficiency of 85% under one sun illumination. The hydrophobic property of the Ni-G-WO3-x makes the evaporator have an outstanding cycle stability. Also, the evaporator shows excellent seawater desalination and sewage treatment ability. Moreover, the outdoor experiment illustrates that the evaporator has practical applications under natural sunlight conditions. Excellent photo-thermal conversion ability, high efficiency and reusability of the evaporator are suitable for a wide range of practical applications in solar desalination and sewage treatment.